Khorne's Eternal Hunt - KrautScientist's chaotic WIP thread 2024: Baby steps...

[Lord Commander Scrymgeour]

You should totally make a "Belle" character for inq28 now. Maybe a clock and lumiere too? Garcon?.......... It's been a while since I've had any hobby time but I think I have a new project.

[Augustus b'Raass]

You should totally make a "Belle" character for inq28 now. Maybe a clock and lumiere too? Garcon?.......... It's been a while since I've had any hobby time but I think I have a new project.

Oh no. Please don't. 

[KrautScientist]

 

You should totally make a "Belle" character for inq28 now. Maybe a clock and lumiere too? Garcon?.......... It's been a while since I've had any hobby time but I think I have a new project.

Oh no. Please don't. 

 

 

You know, the idea is totally preposterous, of course. But there may just be a coincidence playing in your favour in this case. Let's just wait and see...

[Lord Commander Scrymgeour]

Tale as old as time

[KrautScientist]

Tale as old as time

 

Come again?

[gaurdian31]

It's from a song in the Disney Beauty and the Beast movie

[KrautScientist]

Ah, thanks for clearing that up! I only ever watched that film in German, way way back...

 

...uhh, talk about slightly awkward confessions, at least on a wargaming forum ;)

[KrautScientist]

Alright, everyone. It's been a while, so I guess it's time ime for another update! I've got two things to show you today:

First up, a rather small kitbash that nevertheless makes me rather happy: Thanks to the generosity of fellow hobbyist PDH, I finally managed to get my hands on a Dreadnought rocket launcher, so I could start to convert the last Dreadnought/Helbrute weapon still missing from my collection, transforming it into a suitably chaotic weapon:

http://images.dakkadakka.com/gallery/2014/6/13/621371-Chaos%2C%20Chaos%20Space%20Marines%2C%20Conversion%2C%20Helbrute%2C%20Khorne%2C%20Khorne%27s%20Eternal%20Hunt.JPG

http://images.dakkadakka.com/gallery/2014/6/13/621372-Chaos%2C%20Chaos%20Space%20Marines%2C%20Conversion%2C%20Helbrute%2C%20Khorne%2C%20Khorne%27s%20Eternal%20Hunt.JPG

Certainly nothing mind blowing, but rather a nice and simple bit of kitbashing that eased me back into the regular flow of things — still, having an entire set of fully exchangeable weapons for my Chaos Helbrutes will feel enormously pleasing once it has finally been accomplished ;)


But the rocket launcher is not really the star of the show today. That role falls to the second model I would like to show you. So, what is this about?

You may remember that my attempt at coming up with some Obliterators that didn’t look like Chaos Terminators covered in meat wastes turned into a rather protracted conversion project. I ended up with three custom Obliterators that I was reasonably happy with. These:

http://images.dakkadakka.com/gallery/2013/10/18/548302_sm-Behemoths%2C%20Centurions%2C%20Chaos%2C%20Chaos%20Space%20Marines%2C%20Conversion%2C%20Counts%20As.JPG

http://eternalhunt.files.wordpress.com/2013/10/behemoths-wip-52.jpg

Some of you may already have been wondering why I hadn’t yet managed to get these painted. The reason, apart from my egregious lack of painting discipline, is that fate intervened and I discovered a recipe for building Obliterators that I liked even better:

Many of you will already have seen Thamier’s wonderful Balefire Legion , which has been a constant source of inspiration. But what really blew me away more than anything else was his approach to sculpting and kitbashing his own, completely customised Obliterators (whose creation you can witness starting here)!

Maybe the best part about these is that while they are perfectly in line with the look and feel of GW’s other chaos models (almost moreso than the official Obliterators, in fact), they forego the fleshy, mutated look in favour of something more mechanical and imposing.

I was really blown away by the sheer awesomness of these models, but alas I could only gaze at them from afar and hope that one day I might be able to come up with something just as cool.

Well, that day may have come, because – while Thamier only made these awesome bitz for use in his own army – I was actually lucky enough to get my hands on some of them as part of a bitz swap between the two of us. This is a really exciting opportunity, of course, so it goes without saying that I immediately started assembling my very own “Thamier pattern” Obliterator.

Now Thamier had warned me in advance that the castings weren’t of the best quality, and that the parts would require some work. And indeed, there was quite a bit of flash to be scraped off. But all in all, the parts really cleaned up rather nicely. Here’s a look at the cleaned and prepared parts for the Obliterator:

http://images.dakkadakka.com/gallery/2014/6/13/621360-Behemoth%2C%20Chaos%2C%20Chaos%20Space%20Marines%2C%20Conversion%2C%20Khorne%2C%20Khorne%27s%20Eternal%20Hunt.JPG

As you can see, a full set consists of a torso (in two halves, in fact), a pelvis, two thighs, two (rather massive) lower legs and two feet. The parts were cast from Thamier’s original master model, as far as I am aware, and considering the pieces have been entirely sculpted from scratch, the amount of detail is rather nice. Of course these are not as crisp and cutting edge as a factory-made GW kit, but I am in fact even more impressed with the sculpting that went into these after having made some first hand experiences with the parts: Not only do they take all the right design cues from GW’s own chaos models, but they also come with amazing little touches like the profile on the Obliterator’s armoured boot:

http://images.dakkadakka.com/gallery/2014/6/13/621361-Behemoth%2C%20Chaos%2C%20Chaos%20Space%20Marines%2C%20Conversion%2C%20Khorne%2C%20Khorne%27s%20Eternal%20Hunt.JPG

That is true dedication, ladies and gentlemen ;)

Like I said, scraping off the flash wasn’t a big problem, and even a bit of rough texture or damage here and there actually work towards the effect that these guys are ancient veterans of the Long War, so no problem there.

Here’s my first mockup of the whole model:

http://images.dakkadakka.com/gallery/2014/6/13/621362-Behemoth%2C%20Chaos%2C%20Chaos%20Space%20Marines%2C%20Conversion%2C%20Khorne%2C%20Khorne%27s%20Eternal%20Hunt.JPG

http://images.dakkadakka.com/gallery/2014/6/13/621363-Behemoth%2C%20Chaos%2C%20Chaos%20Space%20Marines%2C%20Conversion%2C%20Khorne%2C%20Khorne%27s%20Eternal%20Hunt.JPG

As you can see, the model is really rather massive, which makes it clear that this guy is not just any standard chaos Terminator. And while the overall shape and construction may recall Tactical Dreadnought Armour, there are several visual shout outs to the new Helbrute design, like the armour panels to the side of the head, the slightly more elaborate armour trim and, of course, the pelvis area that looks very similar to that of the Helbrute.

I used a Warp Talon head as a placeholder, which should show you that the sculpted torso will accept pretty much any (Chaos) Space Marine or Chaos Warrior head without a hitch. The comparison should also give you a rather good idea of the model’s rather impressive size and bulk!

Working from there, I had to get a bit creative, because – unlike Thamier – I cannot sculpt for toffee. So where Thamier sculpted his own upper arms and shoulder pads, I defaulted back to my usual approach and solution to any hobby problem — glorious kitbashing! ;)

In this case, though, the task of actually finding suitable arms that scaled correctly with the rest of the body almost drove me crazy: While natural looking proportions are not exactly a priority for a hulking monster like this, many arm setups that seemed promising ended up looking too short and undermining the sense of threat given off by the model.

In the end, the solution was found in the most unlikely of places: I was messing around with the magma cutter bitz from the fiend kit when I realised that these could actually work as arms for the Obliterator! So I combined them with some Chaos Terminator fists and a couple of leftover Centurion weapons (it’s a good thing you get LOTS of leftover weapons with the Centurion kit), and my Obliterator really took shape. Take a look:

http://images.dakkadakka.com/gallery/2014/6/13/621364-Behemoth%2C%20Chaos%2C%20Chaos%20Space%20Marines%2C%20Conversion%2C%20Khorne%2C%20Khorne%27s%20Eternal%20Hunt.JPG

As you can plainly see, I took a lot of inspiration from one of Thamier’s own models when it came to the pose, but then I thought it looked really awesome and wanted to replicate some of that coolness ;)

For the shoulder pads, I chose Centurion pads, as you can see. I also added some Ogre armour plates to the hips to bulk out the model’s middle a bit. As an added benefit, these will also create some visual consistency if I ever want to use this big guy alongside my converted Centurions, as they are using the same armour plates for decoration.

I still needed to bulk out the upper arms, since they were looking a little scrawny. Plus the clean and loyalist shoulder pads needed some chaotic love as well. So I added another round of bitz, and here’s where the model stands at the moment:

http://images.dakkadakka.com/gallery/2014/6/13/621365-Behemoth%2C%20Chaos%2C%20Chaos%20Space%20Marines%2C%20Conversion%2C%20Khorne%2C%20Khorne%27s%20Eternal%20Hunt.JPG

http://images.dakkadakka.com/gallery/2014/6/13/621370-Behemoth%2C%20Chaos%2C%20Chaos%20Space%20Marines%2C%20Conversion%2C%20Khorne%2C%20Khorne%27s%20Eternal%20Hunt.JPG

http://images.dakkadakka.com/gallery/2014/6/13/621369-Behemoth%2C%20Chaos%2C%20Chaos%20Space%20Marines%2C%20Conversion%2C%20Khorne%2C%20Khorne%27s%20Eternal%20Hunt.JPG

http://images.dakkadakka.com/gallery/2014/6/13/621368-Behemoth%2C%20Chaos%2C%20Chaos%20Space%20Marines%2C%20Conversion%2C%20Khorne%2C%20Khorne%27s%20Eternal%20Hunt.JPG

http://images.dakkadakka.com/gallery/2014/6/13/621367-Behemoth%2C%20Chaos%2C%20Chaos%20Space%20Marines%2C%20Conversion%2C%20Khorne%2C%20Khorne%27s%20Eternal%20Hunt.JPG

http://images.dakkadakka.com/gallery/2014/6/13/621366-Behemoth%2C%20Chaos%2C%20Chaos%20Space%20Marines%2C%20Conversion%2C%20Khorne%2C%20Khorne%27s%20Eternal%20Hunt.JPG

While some additional cleanup along with a spiky bit here and there may be required, I am really rather happy with this guy! I think the design works really well as a less-mutated but really impressive and utterly chaotic Obliterator! And I am also reasonably pleased with the solution I came up with for the arms!

One thing I need to point out again is that this guy is absolutely MASSIVE, with much more bulk than a regular Terminator. In fact, like I said, he’s the perfect missing link between Terminators and Helbrutes, not only in design but also in height and bulk.

Provided the temperature outside stays agreeable enough, I hope to be able to paint his guy rather soon. Afterwards, I’ll have to consider which way to go with my overall strategy for the Obliterators: Will this veritable beast be used as a “unit champion” of sorts, leading the other, Centurion-based Obliterators into battle? Or will I become so addicted to the Thamier-pattern that any other kind of Obliterator just seems like a cheap travesty to me?

For now, I’ll just try to build the biggest, baddest Obliterator imaginable. Thanks so much to Thamier for letting me have some of those bitz to mess around with! And if any of you have any suggestions or criticism about this guy, let me know! And make sure to head over to Thamier's thread as well and check out the pure awesomness that is the Balefire Legion!

And, as always, thanks for looking and stay tuned for more! :)

http://images.dakkadakka.com/gallery/2014/6/13/621365-Behemoth%2C%20Chaos%2C%20Chaos%20Space%20Marines%2C%20Conversion%2C%20Khorne%2C%20Khorne%27s%20Eternal%20Hunt.JPG

[ElDuderino]

So You got one of those, I'm extremly jealous!

[Biohazard]

The Oblits looking great buddy. Brilliant alternative. I actually really like the ML kitbash as well. Great use of bits

[Forté]

Great update. And Thamier's oblit looks good. Though I do feel that reducing the ankle gap would look a bit better.

[Augustus b'Raass]

OK, I really like the missile launcher arm - nice work. I love it how people continuously come up with innovative ways of combining bits after which I'm like "DUH! Why didn't I think of that!?!?!?" The Missile arm with the havoc launcher ending is a prime example.   Those new obliterators are frickin amazing. Seriously I want to see them finished RIGHT NOW.

 

On another note, My Mind Was Blown by the pictures you posted of your original obliterator kit bashes. I'm not sure if yuo are aware of this - but I saw a picture of those on the Kit Bash Carnage facebook group -around September I believe- and they inspired my build of obliterators! So in hindsight, you Kraut, have given me the inspiration. So a very very late thanks to you, Sir!

 

[KrautScientist]

Thanks a lot, guys!

 

@ ElDuderino: Yes, well, while I like to imagine that the bitz swap was advantageous for Thamier as well, it sure as heck was advantageous for me ;)

 

@ Biohazard: Cheers, buddy! Your own Oblitz are awesome as well, though, especially with the freshly added decorative trim!

 

@ forte: I see what you mean about that gap: In fact, I already tackled the problem on the left foot, now I may have to do the same for the right one as well.

 

@ Augustus B'Raass: Haha, yeah, and then your own Oblitz turned out so much better than mine that you really scared me away from doing any more work on them ;) Seriously, though: Adding those armour plates on the torso was a wicked idea!

[Augustus b'Raass]

Don't undersell yourself Kraut- I think yours look particularly wicked. Only thing I'd change is the Khorne Berzerker helmets and they'd be golded. I'd love to see 'm painted. 

PAINT THEM!

[thamier]

looking good mate, and as i said before i really like or converted oblits, thank you very much for all the nice words, very happy that your pleased with the trade.

and for forte the gap is mostly due to casting size differnce, tryed to make the ankle as ajustable as possible but not too lose, and with press moulds it was a bit tricky, but it is fixable :)

[KrautScientist]

Thamier is quite right: In fact, the amount of poseability you get out of these parts is almost a little intimidating -- which is why I just tried to approximate the Oblit I liked best in Thamier's army ;)

[daemonclaw]

looking great and the thamier sculpts turned out ace so kudos to both of you talented guys

[thamier]

so whats the next project kraut?

[KrautScientist]

@ daemonclaw: Cheers, mate! :)

 

@ thamier: Whoa, not so fast: I am still working on that Obliterator, you know ;) Right now, I have worked a bit on the right ankle in order to get rid of the gap forte mentioned. I have also added some final bitz to the arms (mainly trophies) and filled up a few smaller holes and crevices in the legs and torso -- the GS is curing as I am typing this. New pictures tomorrow, I guess. And if all goes well, I might actually get to start with the paintjob this weekend.

 

Beyond that, there will be more projects in due time ;) Oh, and I am also kitbashing quite a few models for INQ28 at the moment, which can be found on my blog ;)

[oldschoolsavant]

Guess I'm the silent minority that absolutely adores that first Oblit, there's just the glimpse of a pure concept seeping through. The following two don't quite gel, but I think that's due to the positioning.

 

Suppose you're sticking with the new direction though, so good luck.

[KrautScientist]

@ OSS: Oh, don't get me wrong: Those older, Centurion-based Oblitz will be finished at some point. It's just that I'm having more fun with thamier's parts right now

 

Speaking of which, another update regarding my Thamier pattern Obliterator: Added another round of spiky bitz yesterday, worked a bit on the right foot in order to make it look more natural and plugged all remaining holes and crevices with GS. Here's the model, pretty much ready for a last bubble bath and then some paint

http://images.dakkadakka.com/gallery/2014/6/14/621585-Behemoth%2C%20Chaos%2C%20Chaos%20Space%20Marines%2C%20Conversion%2C%20Khorne%2C%20Khorne%27s%20Eternal%20Hunt.JPG

http://images.dakkadakka.com/gallery/2014/6/14/621586-Behemoth%2C%20Chaos%2C%20Chaos%20Space%20Marines%2C%20Conversion%2C%20Khorne%2C%20Khorne%27s%20Eternal%20Hunt.JPG

http://images.dakkadakka.com/gallery/2014/6/14/621587-Behemoth%2C%20Chaos%2C%20Chaos%20Space%20Marines%2C%20Conversion%2C%20Khorne%2C%20Khorne%27s%20Eternal%20Hunt.JPG

http://images.dakkadakka.com/gallery/2014/6/14/621588-Behemoth%2C%20Chaos%2C%20Chaos%20Space%20Marines%2C%20Conversion%2C%20Khorne%2C%20Khorne%27s%20Eternal%20Hunt.JPG

http://images.dakkadakka.com/gallery/2014/6/14/621589-Behemoth%2C%20Chaos%2C%20Chaos%20Space%20Marines%2C%20Conversion%2C%20Khorne%2C%20Khorne%27s%20Eternal%20Hunt.JPG

http://images.dakkadakka.com/gallery/2014/6/14/621590-Behemoth%2C%20Chaos%2C%20Chaos%20Space%20Marines%2C%20Conversion%2C%20Khorne%2C%20Khorne%27s%20Eternal%20Hunt.JPG

I also realised that the model needed something to clearly show its allegiance to Khorne, but regular bunny ears were right out due to a lack of space around the collar. So I improvised, using an icon of Khorne instead. I also tried yet another head, although I might actually like this one the best so far: It just has a subtly feral quality that I think really fits the bill.

Anyway, let me know what you think!

Edited June 14, 2014 by KrautScientist

[Augustus b'Raass]

I love it! And I think the icon is even better than possible bunny ears. 

[KrautScientist]

Cheers, mate! I have to thank the one and only Wade Pryce's World Eaters army for the idea -- he used it on one of his chaos lords way back when. Anyway, I am pretty pleased with the outcome :)

[Dragonlover]

Was Wade Pryce the guy who had a unit of Terminators that were all converted from Abaddon?

 

Dragonlover

[KrautScientist]

Hmm, I don't know. None of Wayde's Terminators I know have been converted from Abaddon. He was (is?) a GW employee whose World Eaters army has heavily inspired just about every WE player I know. I'd just link to his site, but unfortunately it seems to have gone down a short while ago -- and the feature on the GW homepage is also gone as of the re-design.

 

His army features rather heavily in the big 6th edition rulebook (it's used in a studio campaign alongside a host of Word Bearers), plus the Google image search will still give you a look at some of his models.